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Paper short abstract:

In Assam mask is an integral object of the satras, the Vaishnavite monasteries. It is an indigenous craft with significance in the socio- cultural life of the people of Assam.

Paper long abstract:

In Assam there is a rich heritage of mask making. The mask makers of Assam have shown great resourcefulness in selecting and combining the available materials, bamboos, cane, clay, cloth, pith plant ( Aeschynomene indica), wood, etc.,. Morphological features of the mask are derived from natural forms. In Assam mask is an integral object of satras wherein many demon, serpent, incarnation of Lord Vishnu are knitted and portrayed in dances and dramas. Vaishnavite masks are made of woven bamboo splits covered with cotton cloth and clay, so that they remain light in comparison to their size. Generally the morphological features of masks are derived from natural form. Masks which possess human features are known as anthropomorphic and those with animal features are known as theriomorphic. In the satras of Majuli both anthropomorphic and the theriomorphic masks are made, though some are combined ones. Occasionally pliant masks are used in performing arts of the satras of Majuli. Majuli is a river island, where there are 22 satras among whom four (Alengi Narasimha Satra, Bihimpur Satra, Chamaguri Satra and Natun Chamaguri Satra) have praiseworthy tradition of mask making. The available mask of the Satras of Majuli are good examples of this tradition which continuing from the ancient past to the present period. This paper attempts to give an appraisal of the continuity and change of mask making tradition of Nature Chamaguri satra of Majuli.

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